Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
204. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 9 November 2023, if he will ensure that submissions by local authorities to his Department (details supplied) will be approved at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56136/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from a risk-based analysis of the East-West route between Dundalk and Cavan, the Department of Transport allocated grant funding to both Cavan and Louth County Councils for the initial assessment of two possible road schemes. These road interventions seek to improve safety and journey times, as well as bringing consistency to travel speed, across sections of the East-West route.
Falling out of the initial assessment process, submissions to advance the two projects have been received by the Department. These submissions are in accordance with the Public Spending Code requirements and are currently being assessed by Department officials. Progression of submissions is dependent on the findings of this review, work programme priorities and the availability of funding.
As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources and are supplemented by State road grants, as such, each Council can set their own work programmes with regard to their priorities and available resources.
